1857-S Three Dollar Gold (1857-S $3) PCGS AU55 CAC - The 1857-S three dollar gold coin is an issue that is not easily found with good eye-appeal. Most of the mintage of 14,000 pieces circulated heavily, and those that were soon taken out of circulation were mistreated by cleaning or otherwise damaged in later years. In their reference on gold coins, Garret-Ruth have the following to say regarding the scarcity of this issue: The 1857-S $3 gold piece is scarce in all circulated grades and virtually unobtainable in Mint StateFinding mark-free, barely worn examples is a real challenge.

 

In fact, both major grading companies have graded only a very limited number of Mint State pieces, with the true number of known mint state coins not exceeding 3 or 4 pieces at most. The limited supply of AU coins thus has to fill the reasonable need of this issue in higher grades. Even these are very scarce, and the specialist should look specifically at the present offering.

 

As confirmed by the CAC sticker, this is a premium quality coin. Very lustrous, with only the slightest wear on the highest points of the design. The coin is very well struck, and in fact may be among the sharpest struck 1857-S threes. Prooflike devices highlight the coin furthermore on the devices, with the fields noticeably free of blemishes. A great coin and a seldom encountered opportunity for the specialist!